NFU President Minette Batters said: “2020 was a year like no
other and we enter the new year with the UK, and British farming,
beginning a new era. While we have all seen significant changes
and challenges in the past 12 months, I would like to thank the
British public for their continued support for British farming
and all it delivers; we simply wouldn’t be where we are today
without it.
“From farmers and growers keeping shelves full of British food at
the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, to more than a million
people signing up to a petition that demanded our world-leading
standards are not undercut in future trade deals, it is clear the
British public care deeply about where their food comes from and
how it is produced. Public backing for British farming is at a
record high and that is why it is so important that we get the
next chapter right.
“The successful conclusion of a deal between the UK and EU is a
very positive step forward and should provide comfort to both
farmers and to the public. It forms the start of a new and
different trading relationship with the EU and countries across
the world, and I look forward to working with government to
ensure we all benefit from the opportunities this new era
presents.
“There will undoubtedly be challenges to overcome, with images of
disruption at the border due to Covid-19 restrictions still fresh
in our minds. With traders now facing extra costs and complexity
with new checks and additional paperwork for food exports, it is
important that government does all it can to prioritise exports
of our high quality, perishable agricultural products to make
sure that this food is not left languishing in queues at the
border when the changes take effect on 1 January.
“The new year also sees the government implement its own
agriculture policy for the first time in 70 years. It will see a
seismic shift in the way farming is supported, with renewed focus
on sustainable farming. It’s now crucial that the government
works with farm businesses to ensure the new Environmental Land
Management scheme it is planning is fit for purpose, meaning
Britain’s farmers can continue to produce food, while protecting
and enhancing our environment. I, like many of my farming
members, work with our land to ensure we leave our farms in a
better condition for the next generation.
“Looking ahead to 2021 and beyond, one of the biggest challenges
we will continue to face is climate change. With the
international climate change summit, COP26, being hosted in the
UK, now is the time to put our stamp on the world and truly
demonstrate that we are committed to being global leaders in
climate-friendly food.
“The NFU already has an ambition for British farming to be net
zero by 2040 and there are thousands of examples out there now of
farmers working sustainably, managing livestock pastures to
absorb carbon, producing renewable energy and farming smarter to
reduce emissions. There is no better time to show leadership in
tackling one of the biggest threats to our planet and we stand
ready to work with government to achieve our goals.
“There will undoubtedly be twists and turns as we navigate a new
life outside the EU but British farming’s desire to continue
producing fantastic food, produced to some of the highest
standards in the world, remains steadfast. Not only do we want to
be the number one supplier of choice domestically, but we also
have a world-renowned reputation for quality food that can be at
the forefront of the government’s Global Britain ambition. It’s
crucial we all work together to ensure British farming can thrive
for generations to come and for the British public to continue to
benefit from a safe, secure and sustainable supply of homegrown
food.”
